Strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism

ABSTRACT

Mechanism for controlling the tension of a strand from a spool of strand material on a strand fabricating machine having a &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;work center&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; toward which a tensioned strand is incrementally released. The spool is carried by a spool holder having a base housing a spool release mechanism. The mechanism of the invention provides an actuator means for releasing the spool for rotation when the strand tension reaches a desired value.

United States Patent 1191 De Young STRAND TENSION-CONTROLLING AND SPOOL'RELEASE ACTUATOR MECHANISM Simon Arden De Young, Ravenna,

Ohio

Karg Machine Products, Inc., Tallmadge, Ohio Filed: Oct. 27, 1971 Appl. No.: 193,128

Inventor:

Assignee:

US. Cl 242/l56.2, 87/22, 87/56 Int. Cl B65h 59/04 Field of Search 242/156, 156.2;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1931 Chace 87/22 4/1958 Leimbach 4/1959 Sabula 87/56 Sept. 4, 1973 2,988,300 6/1961 Woods et al 242/1562 3,045,526 7/1962 Harris 3,324,757 6/1967 Richardson 87/22 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 973,584 10/1964 Great Britain 87/22 Primary ExaminerStanley N. Gilreath Attorney- Mack D. Cook, 11

[57] ABSTRACT Mechanism for controlling the tension of a strand from a spool of strand material on a strand fabricating machine having a work center" toward which a tensioned strand is incrementally released. The spool is carried by a spool holder having a base housing a spool release mechanism. The mechanism of the invention provides an actuator means for releasing the spool for rotation when the strand tension reaches a desired value.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEP 4193- 3756533 sum 1 or 3 FIG.I

I N VEN TOR. SIMON ARDEN DEYOUNG BY A 2 ATTORNEY PAIENTEDsEP 4m 3. 756533 sum 3 or 3 SIMON ARDEN DEYOUNG BY A I A T TORNE Y STRAND TENSION-CONTROLLING AND SPOOL- RELEASE ACTUATOR MECHANISM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The subject matter of this invention is related to the subject matter of co-pending application Ser. No. 193,013 filed 10/27/71.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Strand fabricating machines utilizing the present invention have sets of spool carriers which are moved along circular paths in opposite directions relative to the work center of the machine toward which tensioned strands from the spools are incrementally released. The tensioned strands may be interlaced, woven, braided or spiralled as to each other or around a core member.

Various mechanisms are known in the prior art for controlling the tension of a strand of material from a spool during let off.

One prior art mechanism, using a ratchet element selectively disengaged from a set of ratchet teeth by a strand actuated spring clutch, is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,362,282. Another prior art tension-controlling means, using a reader means which determines the diameter of the strand material supply and actuates brake means to control the rotation speed of the spool in accordance with the diameter as read, is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,592,409.

Whatever the form of the prior art mechanisms, the disadvantages thereof include being subject to excessive wear, either a low speed of operation or requiring of continual adjustment, in some forms, having a high noise level of operation, and in all forms, being suscep- It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved mechanism for controlling the tension of strands from spools of strand material on a strand fabricating machine having a work center" toward which a tensioned strand is incrementally released.

It is further an object to provide a strand tensioncontrolling and spool release actuator mechanism having a simplified construction with fewer parts to actuate spool rotation in infinitely variable increments.

Still further, it is an object to provide a strand tension-contolling and spool release actuator mechanism which is not subject to excessive wear of the component elements, which will have a high speed of operation, which will have a low noise level'of operation, and

with component elements protected from or not susceptible to abusive or intentional damage.

These and other objects of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, will be apparent inv view of the Detailed Description of the Invention as set forth below.

In general, a strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism according to the invention is used with a spool holder having a base adapted for mounting on a strand fabricating machine, a spindle extending from the base for carrying a spool of strand material, and a deck projecting laterally of the spindle. The spindle may be fixed or rotationally mounted in'relation to the base. I

The spool holder further has a spool release mechanism carried by the base whereby a spool will rotate against a frictional force which is released by selective movement of a control flange projecting laterally of the base and below the deck.

The mechanism according to the invention further has a support rod on the deck extending parallel to the spindle. A slider block carrying a strand guide is mounted for movement along the support rod. A first resilient means applies a bias or force for downward movement of the slider block along the support rod after the spool has been released.

The mechanism according to the invention is characterized in that a guide block attached to the support rod above the deck carries a reciprocating actuator rod. The actuator rod extends from the guide block and into the deck to intersect and engage the spool actuator flange. The portion of the actuator rod which intersects and engages the actuator flange has opposed axially inclined surfaces thereon for sliding engagement with the actuator flange. A very slight upward movement of the actuator rod will release the frictional locking force against rotation of a spool. A very slight downward movement of the actuator rod will initiate development of the locking force. The actuator rod also has a fixed flange thereon belowthe guide block.

The mechanism further has a second resilient means which applies a bias or force for downward movement of the actuator rod in relation to the guide block after the spool has been released.

Still further, the slider block of the mechanism has a ledge thereon for contact with the fixed flange on the actuator rod.

Lastly, there is a stationary strand guide located adjacent the guide block and generally medially of a spool of strand material.

A moving strand from a spool when trained around the stationary guide and then around the movable strand guide and then progressing toward the work center of the strand fabricating machine, will move the slider block and the ledge thereon into contact with the fixed flange onthe actuator rod.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a strand fabricating machine having thereon the strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanisms according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is aside view of a spool holder with a fixed spindle and a mechanism according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a view in section taken substantially as indicated on line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view taken substantially as indicated on line 4-4 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. S'is a side view of a spoolholder with a rotating spindle and-a mechanism according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION or THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, a strand fabricating or braiding machine is indicated generally by-the numeral 10. As shown, the braiding machine 10 is operating in a vertical plane although the machine 10. could be operated in a horizontal or an inclined plane.

The braiding machine 10 has a structural frame with support members 11 for floor mounting. The machine 10 includes'a braiding mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 12, a drive housing 14, a control box 15, a capstan support housing 16, a capstan 17, an interior braiding point retainer 18, and an exterior braiding point retainer 19. The work center" of the machine is in the area between the retainers l8 and 19.

The braiding mechanism 12 includes a set of spools indicated generally by the numeral 20. A material strand from each spool is let off toward the work center. The strands are subjected to tension by the capstan l7 and are braided as to each other or around a core member 21 introduced coaxially of the braiding mechanism 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a spool 20 is carried by a spool holder, indicated generally by the numeral 22, having a base 23 adapted for mounting on the braiding mechanism 12 of a machine 10. The spool holder 22 has a fixed spindle 24 extending from the base 23.

A spool release mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 25, is housed within a case 26 carried on the base 23 coaxially of the spindle 24. The side wall and bottom of the case 26 defines an annular socket seating a fixed actuating disc 27. The actuating disc 27 has an exposed surface with a series of sequentially spaced inclined planes 28.

The mechanism case 26 also houses a rotatable locking disc 29 spaced apart from the actuating disc 27 to provide an annular recess. A series of cylindrical rollers 30 and a roller retaining plate 31 are positioned in the recess between the discs 27 and 29. The plate 31 retains the rollers 30 in a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the inclined planes 28 on the actuating disc 27. The plate 31 also has associated therewith a rotatably movable control flange 32 projecting through an opening 33 in the wall of the case 26. The rollers 30 are maintained in position for contact with the inclined planes 28 of the actuating disc 27 by a lock means 34 associated with the case 26.

A spool 20 has a hub member 35 fitted coaxially over and suitably attached as by a fastener means 36, to an elongated tube element 37. The tube 37 is located coaxially around the spindle 24 and is suitably attached, as by mating threads 38, to the locking disc 29. A spool 20 carried on the spindle 24 and attached to the locking disc 29 will tend to rotate as a strand of material being led to the work center of the machine 10 is subjected to tension by the capstan 17.

The rotation of a spool 20 attached to a locking disc 29 will tend to cause the locking rollers 30, captivated by the roller retaining plates 31, to simultaneously ramp up the inclined planes 28 on the actuating disc 27. The frictional locking force developed by simultaneous movement of the locking rollers 30 in one rotational direction, is released by selective movement of the release flange 32 in the opposite direction.

For such further details as are necessary to understand the operation of the spool release mechanism 25, reference may be made to the related application Ser. No. 193,013 filed 10/27/71.

A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism for a spool holder 22 having a deck 39 projecting laterally from the spindle 24 is indicated generally by the numeral 40.

The mechanism 40 has a support rod 41 carried by the deck 39 and extending parallel to the spindle 24. A slider block 42 carrying a strand guide 43 is mounted for movement along the support rod 41. A first resilient means 44 applies a bias or force for downward movement of the slider block 42 along the support rod 41 after the spool 20 has been released.

The mechanism 40 is characterized in that a guide block 45 attached to the support rod 41 above the deck 39 carries a reciprocating actuator rod 50. The actuator rod 50 extends from the guide block 45 and into the deck 39 to intersect and engage the spool control flange 32. The portion of the actuating rod 50 which intersects and engages the actuator flange 32 has opposed axially inclined surfaces 51 and 52 thereon for sliding engagement with the control flange 32. A very slight upward movement of the actuator rod will release the frictional locking force against rotation of a spool 20. A very slight downward movement of the actuator rod 50 will initiate movement of the locking rollers 30 up the inclined planes 28 on the actuating disc 27. The actuating rod 50 also has a fixed flange or collar 53 thereon below the guide block 45. A second resilient means 54 applies a bias or force for downward movement of the actuator rod 50 in relation to the guide block 45 after the spool 20 has been released The slider block 42 has a ledge 55 thereon for contact with the fixed flange 53 on the actuator rod 50.

A stationary strand guide 56 is located adjacent the guide block 45 and generally medially of a spool 20 of strand material.

As shown, the support rod 41 is removably inserted into a bore 58 through the deck 39 and secured, as by a set screw or pin 59. Above the deck 39, the support rod 41 carries a movable stop block 60, adjustable as by a set screw 61. The position of the stop block 60 on the support rod 41 establishes the downward limit of movement of the slider block 42 under the bias of the first resilient means 44. The movable strand guide 43 carried by the slider block 42 for imparting a tensioncontrol force may be a flanged roller rotatably mounted on a spindle 62.

The resilient resiloent means 44 may be, as shown, a tension spring 63 extending between a base hook 64 on the deck 39 and a connecting stud 65 on the slider block 42. Alternatively, the resilient means 44 could be a compression spring (not shown) carried coaxially around the support rod 41 and seated between the upper surface of the slider block 42 and the under surface of the guide block 45. In any event, the invention requires that a biasing force be applied to the slider block 42 after the spool 20 has been released.

The guide block 45 may be a generally rectangular element secured to the support rod 41, as by a set screw or pin 66. The upper end of the actuator rod 50 may be received within a downwardly opening bore 67 in the guide block 45.

The second resilient means 54 may be, as shown, a compression spring 68 seated within the bore 67 and reacting against a surface 69 on the actuator rod 50. Alternatively, the resilient means 54 could be a tension spring extending between the actuator rod 50 and the deck 39. In any event, the invention requires that a biasing force be applied to the actuator rod 50 after the spool 20 has been released.

The stationary strand guide 56 may be in the form of an eyelet or hole in a lateral extension 71 of the guide block 45. Alternatively, the strand guide 56 could be a hook or a flanged roller carried by the support rod 41. In any event, the invention requires that a stationary strand guide 56 be located adjacent or near to the guide block 45 and generally medially or between the ends of a spool 20, so as to function as a central collecting point for strand material being let off and progressing toward the work center of the machine 10.

As determined by the location of the spool carriers 22 on the machine 10, one or moreadditional stationary strand guides 72 may be adjustably carried by the support rod 41. However, an exact placement of additional strand guides 72 is not required for the operation of the mechanims 40.

Further details as to the actuator rod 50 are shown by specific reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As described above, it is an operating characteristic of the spool release mechanism 25 that the frictional locking force developed by simultaneous movement of the locking rollers 30, may be initiated and is released by selective rotational movement of the control flange 32.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the actuator rod 50 extends from the guide block 45 and into the deck 39 to intersect and engage the control flange 32. The lower portion of the actuator rod 50 passes through a pocket or recess 75 in the deck 39 permitting rotational movement of the control flange 32. The reciprocating movement of the actuator rod 50 is stablilized by insertion of the lower end of the actuator rod 50 into a deck bore The two opposed axially inclined surfaces 51 and 52 on the actuator rod 50 are confined within a slot 77 formed in the release flange 32 to provide opposed inclined planar surfaces 78 and 79. During upward movement of the actuator rod 50, inclined surface 51 contacts surface 78 of the control flange 32 to release the frictional locking force developed by the mechanism 25. During downward movement of the actuator rod 50, inclined surface 52 contacts surface 79 of the control flange to initiate development of the frictional locking force within mechanism 25. Thus, the control flange 32 will be rotated upon either upward or downwardmovement of the actuator rod 50. To resist deformation of the control flange 32, a spacer element 81 may be located within the plate pocket 75 above the flange 32.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the actuator rod 50 may have a threaded portion 80 adjustably engaged with mating threads in a bore (not shown) in the interior of g the fixed flange 53. Adjustment of the position of the fixed flange determines the position of contact with the slider block ledge 55 and may therefore determine strand tension.

In operation, a strand of material from the spool 20 is trained around the stationary guide 56 and then around the movable strand guide 43 and progresses toward the work center of the machine 10, via such additioal stationary guides 72 as may be desired. As the moving strand of material is subjected to tension by the capstan 17, the spool 20 will rotate against the frictional locking force being developed by the mechanism 25. Simultaneouly, the various elements of the mechanism 40 will react to the developing tension on the strand. The slider block 42 and the ledge 55 thereon will move into contact with the fixed flange 53 on the actuator rod 50.

Referring to FIG. 5, a spool 20 may be carried by a spool holder, indicated generally by the numeral 122 having a base 123 carrying a rotating spindle 124. As shown, the spindle 124 is journaled in anti-friction bearings 125 and 126 mounted in a bore 127 extending through the base 123 coaxially of the components of the spool release mechanism 25.

The spindle 124 is attached to the axial hub 129 of a release mechanism locking disc 29, as by a set screw or pin 130. A spool 20 has a hub member fitted coaxially over and suitably attached, as by mechanical means (not shown), to the upper portion of the spindle 124. A spool 20 carried on the spindle 124 and attached t0 the locking disc 29 will freely rotate as astrand of material being led to the work center of the machine 10 is subjected to tension by the capstan 17.

What is claimed is:

l A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism for a spool holder having a base adapted for mounting on a strand fabricating machine with a work center, a spindle extending from said base for carrying a spool of strand material and a deck projecting laterally of said spindle,

said actuator mechanism further having a support rod carried by said deck and extending parallel to said spindle, a slide means movable along said support rod and carrying a'strand guide, and a first resilient means biasing said slide means for movement along said support rod,

said actuator mechanism further having a guide block attached to said support rod above said deck carrying a reciprocating actuator rod having a fixed flange thereon below said guide block and in position to be actuated by said slide means, and a second resilient means biasing said actuator rod for movement inrelation to said guide block,

there further being a stationary strand guide located adjacent said guide block and generally medially of said spool of strand material, there being a spool release mechanism having means within said base for retarding rotation of a spool on said spindle, which means is actuated by selective rotational movement of a control flange projecting laterally of said base, characterized in that, said actuator rod extends from said guide block to intersect and engage said control flange of said spool release mechanism, the portion of said control flange being intersected by said actuator rod having a slot therethrough with opposed inclined planar surfaces thereon, the portion of said actuator rod intersecting said control flange slot having opposed axially inclined surfaces thereon for sliding engagement with said slot surfaces,

whereby a moving strand from said spool, when trained around said stationary strand guide and then around said movable strand guide and then progressing towards a work center of said strand fabricating machine, will move said slider means relative to said fixed flange on the actuator rod so that said actuator rod will. engage and move said control flange to release the frictional locking force against rotation of said'spool.

2. A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism according to claim 1,

further characterized in that, movement of said actuator rod toward said guide block will cause one of said inclined surfaces to contact a control flange planar. surface to release the frictional locking force, and movement of said actuator rod away from said guide block will cause the other of said inclined surfaces to contact the other of said control flange planar surfaces to initiate development surfaces on the control flange is adjustable to deof said frictional locking force. rmine strand tension. A Strand ten-sloncomrolling and Spool release 5. A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism according to claim 1, tumor mechanism according to claim 1,

further characterized in that, said first resilient means 5 is a tension spring extending between said slider block and said deck, and said second resilient tame t d t i U dt means is a compression spring seated between said means a Jus o e em ne an en 1 guide block and said actuator 6. A strand tension-controlling and spool release ac- 4. A strand tension-controlling and spool release ae- 0 tuatOf m hanism according to claim 1, tumor mechanism according to d i 1 further characterized in that, said spindle IS rotationfurther characterized in that, the distance between ally mounted in relation to said base.

the fixed flange on the actuator rod and said planar further characterized in that, the movement of said slider block under the bias of said first resilient 9 .f NiTED TE-S ATENT OFFICE ny fiff5 i g f Simon ArdenDe-Young 51.: fllrt is ce rtif iedvthait error appears in the, above-identified patent v "and-that saidLet ters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:'

A Coiumri i; line 60"," Beginning With-1."'In"g en ral," nc a lflco and v includin "the actuator 'd Column 2 linen; md f insert t'he ifoll i a I g I in general, astrandfltension-controlling andspool a actuatori 'mechanism according "co" the invention isffor a 'j Pjobl holder hairiing a base adapted for mounting on a strand iaisfricating machine with a work center", a spindle extending? j fihelbase for carrying a spool, strand. material" and deck I v l P SiCt DQf j illy of. th spindle; The spindle may" be fixed I for?rotationally'imounted in relation to the basel f The" actuator mechanism "has a support rod carriediby l l the1ideck: extending parallel to "the spindle-?. a slide r n eans 1 z ovable along the upportgr od and carrying a strand guide, and "af f'f i rs' tf resili'ent means biasing the slide. means for movement 5 the support'rodu The-actuator mechanism further has a guide; blook: v

' rod above said; deck carrying areoi procat in' aq u t a f fle -ha ing i d lange n l w 'thf i iae r position to be actuated by the slide means; :j

resilient means biasing the actuator rod" f rom,imoye y Q ;to th e guide block.

Y a OFFICE C RTIFIC TE-for OR EC I g 1N;-

l v Dait'ed Y September 1973 o 1 I a 8 mm A rden Die Young" Q a v Page 7 2 1 I I?ilhv nt s I v it a is cer-tifi'ed that error appears in the above-idem:ified patent 1 and {that said Letters Patent, are hereby corrected as shown below:

7 There;is also T a.s-tatioriar y strand guide*"lo :ate 5l v adjathe generaiiyifiiec liall y of the epo'ol of]:

v There 5 551 r elease m echan iem withih base i fjortr etatding rotatoiii an of a spool ori the spindle which means actuated by s el e'ctive rotational movement of a control .f lapgie j latetal' l y of saidfbasei This spool release mechanism I o l l bject oftco-pendi ng app' lioat io n Serial No, 1 93 ,Ol3 .jfiiia o ct b 27' 11 971. A i I Q 7 it Th'm-cegism aciairig h ihvnt ahi5 h'aga ter]- j i ze d in' that, thefactuator' r oci' eacterid. from'the -g uid e bloolt" toiint erseot and engage the contiol flange of said spool release I meolria nis m'. The'l portion of the control f lan ge being intersected by actuator rod ;has a Slot therethrough with opposed inciihed i I eorfacee -t l '1e r eon'. oottion actuator rod inftiersecting jthe oontrol flange slot has opposed axially :in a

surfaces khrebnlfdf s lidingQehgagement with-the sl o t urfaces.

\ FORM I I Q Q 7 I i I osow-omom-p i i 9 us. eoyziuusm PRINTING OFFICE: maid-355421;}

. 3,756 ,533 Dated September 4, 1973 Patent No.

- .--,.Simon Arden De Young Inventor(s) g 3 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Thelmeehanism aoeording to invention tunotions in that a moving strand from the. spool, when trained around the stationary strand guide and then around the movable strand guide and then progressing towards a "work center" of the strand fabricating machine will move the slider means relative to the fixed flangethe actuator rodeo that the actuator rod will engageand move the control flange to releasethe frictional force against rotation of thespool.

Column 4,-{ljine 38, "resilient resiloent" should read v first resilient Column 5 line 9', "mechan-i'ms" should read meehanlsm lines 52 and 53, "additioal" should read additional 'line' 57 Simultaneouly" should read I I Simultaneously -r Y sigh and sealed this 27th day of Augu'st 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY MQGIBSONQJ .c. MARSHALLDANN Attesting Officer I Commissioner of Patents FORM P0405) (wsg) I v J Y I 'uscoMM-oc 60376-P69 I 9 "-5. GOVERNMENT 'RINTING EOFFICE: I," 3-33, 

1. A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism for a spool holder having a base adapted for mounting on a strand fabricating machine with a ''''work center,'''' a spindle extending from said base for carrying a spool of strand material and a deck projecting laterally of said spindle, said actuator mechanism further having a support rod carried by said deck and extending parallel to said spindle, a slide means movable along said support rod and carrying a strand guide, and a first resilient means biasing said slide means for movement along said support rod, said actuator mechanism further having a guide block attached to said support rod above said deck carrying a reciprocating actuator rod having a fixed flange thereon below said guide block and in position to be actuated by said slide means, and a second resilient means biasing said actuator rod for movement in relation to said guide block, there further being a stationary strand guide located adjacent said guide block and generally medially of said spool of strand material, there being a spool release mechanism having means within said base for retarding rotation of a spool on said spindle, which means is actuated by selective rotational movement of a control flange projecting laterally of said base, characterized in that, said actuator rod extends from said guide block to intersect and engage said control flange of said spool release mechanism, the portion of said control flange being intersected by said actuator rod having a slot therethrough with opposed inclined planar surfaces thereon, the portion of said actuator rod intersecting said control flange slot having opposed axially inclined surfaces thereon for sliding engagement with said slot surfaces, whereBy a moving strand from said spool, when trained around said stationary strand guide and then around said movable strand guide and then progressing towards a ''''work center'''' of said strand fabricating machine, will move said slider means relative to said fixed flange on the actuator rod so that said actuator rod will engage and move said control flange to release the frictional locking force against rotation of said spool.
 2. A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism according to claim 1, further characterized in that, movement of said actuator rod toward said guide block will cause one of said inclined surfaces to contact a control flange planar surface to release the frictional locking force, and movement of said actuator rod away from said guide block will cause the other of said inclined surfaces to contact the other of said control flange planar surfaces to initiate development of said frictional locking force.
 3. A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism according to claim 1, further characterized in that, said first resilient means is a tension spring extending between said slider block and said deck, and said second resilient means is a compression spring seated between said guide block and said actuator rod.
 4. A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism according to claim 1, further characterized in that, the distance between the fixed flange on the actuator rod and said planar surfaces on the control flange is adjustable to determine strand tension.
 5. A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism according to claim 1, further characterized in that, the movement of said slider block under the bias of said first resilient means is adjustable to determine strand tension.
 6. A strand tension-controlling and spool release actuator mechanism according to claim 1, further characterized in that, said spindle is rotationally mounted in relation to said base. 